Senegal President Proposes Two Years Cut Down In Office

Senegalese President, Macky Sall has proposed a cut down of two years in the term of Presidency.

His proposition makes him one of the to opt for a cut down in term of office by two years. According to Macky Sall, the aim is to strengthen democracy. Sall's position is contrary to what pertains in most African countries like Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Congo-Brazaville where presidents of these countries are changing constitutions to extend their time in power.

Senegal's constitution allows president's mandate from seven to five years as part of several proposals for constitutional reforms which are to be put to a referendum.

The new constitution would not allow a president to run for more than two consecutive terms in office.Other suggested amendments to the constitution include an upper age limit of 75 years.

The BBC's Nadege Sinarinzi in Dakar says after reducing his term in office, Mr Sall is then expected to put himself forward for re-election in 2017 instead of 2019. The date of the referendum is yet to be announced.

Mr Sall, 54, was elected in 2012, defeating the incumbent Abdoulaye Wade, who had controversially sought a third term in office.